DR Congo Clear Benick Afobe to Play for AFC Bournemouth

DR Congo  have cleared Benik Afobe to resume action with his club AFC Bournemouth after declining a call up to the “Les Leopards” camp for the upcoming 2017 AFCON in Gabon.

The 23-year-old striker turned down a chance to represent DR Congo just shortly after changing his national allegiance from England despite making the final squad shortlist.

The former Arsenal player explained himself saying,

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I have a lot of respect for everyone at DR Congo: the staff there, the players and fans. It’s a massive tournament for everyone, but thinking about my development and being at this stage in my career where I’m trying to establish myself in my first full Premier League season, I just want to keep improving.”[/perfectpullquote]

Congo are entitled to ask FIFA to make the player sit on the sidelines during the campaign but the African side graciously allowed the player to first focus on his development with Eddie Howe’s side.

Afobe has started three games this season, making other 12 appearances as a substitute. He scored twice in December and is looking to build on this current run of form to break into Bournemouth’s first team.

He missed Bournemouth’s recent home draw with Arsenal and the Emirates FA Cup tie against Millwall, but will now be eligible for selection when they visit Hull on 14th with his country playing Morocco in Oyem two days later.

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